CLICK HERE to read the July 8, 2021 Thursday Thoughts
July 8, 2021
Dear Congregation:
I enjoyed my time away with Ken, sleeping, walking, eating great food, exploring Michigan and its parks and quaint towns. But is good to be back in the office and great to have seen some of you already.
I extend my appreciation for the church staff and Consistory leadership and others for caring for our members and welcoming visits over these past weeks.
The blessing of our recorded live streaming of Sunday services is that I was able to watch the services upon my return. Grateful to John Shillingburg, Bob Manthey, and David Cooney for their worship leadership. Like you, I was inspired by their words and pastoral presence. To see and hear the children’s message and the ERUCC singers and our wonderful Alison, fed my soul.
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday and in the weeks to come.
General Synod Begins Sunday, July 11
UCC officers: ‘Join us in prayer for our time together’
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Each biennium the United Church of Christ gathers as the General Synod to discern the Spirit’s calling to the church in this present day. General Synod 33 will begin on July 11, 2021, with opening worship and will continue through July 18, 2021. Although General Synod convenes to conduct the business of the Church, we approach this work in a spirit of worship.
Each day the Rev. Janet Ross, national setting chaplain, will provide a prayer request on the UCC.org homepage. We invite you to incorporate the prayer requests into your daily prayer practices or to pray daily for General Synod as the Spirit leads. We are praying for the manifestation of God’s presence and power among us as we attend to the work of the church. We are praying for restorative times of worship and witness. We pray that every attendee will find in our offerings loving affirmations of belonging. We pray for courage. We pray for joy. We pray for wisdom. We pray for our resolutions. We pray for love. We pray for smooth technology. We pray for patience and grace.
We simply ask that you pray for the church. Because of our faith, we know our prayers will reach God and the hearts of those who gather.
Worship:
Psalm 85: 9-13 is a psalm of praise. In Mark’s gospel, Mark 6: 14-29, John the Baptist’s preaching of repentance threatens the established power and he is killed.
Food for Thought:
“Rest is not idle, is not wasteful. Sometimes rest is the most productive thing you can do for body and soul.” (Erica Layne )
Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed Church, United Church of Christ
15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701
301-662-2762
E-mail: bkdaniel@erucc.org
